Clear Creek is a hidden gem of a river just outside Denver. As a free-flowing, undammed river, its personality is entirely dependent on the seasonal snowpack melting off the high peaks and the variable summer rainfall. While we provide this detailed guide to general conditions, remember that the river’s daily flow is a wild, unpredictable thing. The one thing we can guarantee is an adventure you’ll never forget, regardless of the flow.
The Language of Flow: CFS Explained
In the world of white water rafting, cubic feet per second, or CFS, is our primary language. It’s the numerical heartbeat of the river, defining the quality and difficulty of the rapids. Imagine a standard basketball—if you filled one cubic foot with water, one CFS means that volume of water is passing a fixed point on the river every single second. When that number climbs from 100 to 1,000, you can see why the river trip itself changes so dramatically!
Every rafter has its ‘sweet spot’ on the Clear Creek flow chart. A first-timer might prefer a more controlled, technical run at lower flows, which allows more time to react and learn. An adrenaline junkie, however, dreams of the peak runoff—the massive, thrilling waves of the high-water season. We’ve meticulously organized the typical Clear Creek season by CFS level so you can pinpoint your ideal adventure.
Clear Creek’s Seasonal Personalities: Finding Your Perfect Ride
Clear Creek is famous for its fast-moving, continuous white water sections, making it Colorado’s most accessible, high-octane river experience near the Front Range. From the technical puzzles of the early/late season to the full-volume chaos of peak runoff, here’s how the river transforms with the flow:
The Late-Season Puzzle: 70CFS – 115 CFS (Late July—Mid-August)
- Typical Season: Late summer, marking the tail end of the season.
- The Experience: At these low levels, the river demands precision. The action shifts from big waves to technical, chutes-and-ladders navigation. The river’s rocks become more prominent, creating a maze of tight corners and quick, necessary maneuvers. Your guide earns their paycheck here, becoming a masterful river-driver who relies on solid teamwork to thread the needle through the Class II and low Class III rapids of the middle, “classic” section. If you happen to wedge on a rock, don’t worry—your guide will likely jump out and give you a speedy push-off, adding a memorable, personal touch to the adventure. It’s a rewarding run for those who appreciate the art of river navigation.
Precision and Punch: 116–160 CFS
- Typical Season: Often seen as the river is stabilizing post-runoff, perhaps late July.
- The Experience: The current is noticeably faster than the lowest flows, but the rapids still require sharp, timely paddling. This is a fantastic ‘Goldilocks’ zone for intermediate rafters. The legendary Class IV rapids of the “Beavers” and “Lower Canyon” sections are runnable, offering a substantial punch without the chaotic fury of high water. You’ll drop into big holes with the river briefly disappearing from view, enjoying fast-and-fun hits and splashes that mostly keep the action focused waist-down, ensuring a thrilling yet controllable ride.
The Splash Zone Emerges: 160–250 CFS
- Typical Season: The second half of July.
- The Experience: Here, Clear Creek starts to truly come alive. Beyond the river’s drops, waves begin to form, and the continuous rapids feel more powerful. Splashes start to soak the whole boat, preparing you for the full white water experience. The Lower Canyon becomes a remarkable blend of white water holes that try to swallow the raft and technical maneuvering, where your guide must read the water and execute the line perfectly. Expect an adrenaline rush as the river’s energy increases.
Continuous Thrills: 250–350 CFS
- Typical Season: A common flow for late May and early July.
- The Experience: At these flows, all sections of the creek are truly rolling, delivering a relentless, heart-pounding experience. The Upper and Lower Canyons deliver excellent, continuous Class III and IV white water. There is no doubt: you will come back wet! This is the window where big, named drops like “Outer Limits” and “Phoenix” become runnable—not just runnable, but genuinely awesome, delivering big thrills and an unforgettable rush of speed and power.
Big Water Takes Shape: 351–500 CFS
- Typical Season: Typically found during the peak runoff period from mid-June to early July.
- The Experience: The sheer volume of water makes you question the “creek” moniker—it feels like a proper, full-bodied river. This flow provides continuous, super fun, and splashy Class III rapids. The Class IV drops start to clean up, becoming smoother, more powerful descents, while the white water holes begin to show their true bite. They transform from mere bumps to powerful features that aggressively slow your momentum and try to swamp the raft as you power through. This is pure, exhilarating white water for the eager enthusiast.
Peak Runoff: 501–910 CFS
- Typical Season: Early to mid-June, depending on the snowpack. This is the classic high-water season.
- The Experience: The creek is a roaring, continuous beast at these levels. The Class IV sections are absolutely not for the timid. They require strong, synchronized paddling from the crew to power through massive holes and over standing waves that crash and break right over the bow of the boat. The middle section, which is a tame technical run at low water, now offers big, rolling Class III and IV waves and thrilling hits. This is the ultimate test of teamwork and a massive adrenaline surge for experienced rafters.
The Full Send: 910+ CFS
- Typical Season: This is a rare and epic level, occurring only during exceptional snowpack years or following heavy spring rains.
- The Experience: The river is moving incredibly fast. The sheer speed of the water dictates the ride, and the waves on the middle section are head-to-toe soakers. What’s fascinating is that while the white water holes are visually unnerving—massive, churning features—the speed of the river is so great that it often flushes the boat right through them before they can fully stall the raft. This is when your guide’s classic yell, “Paddle hard!”, is most vital. It’s an epic, full-intensity wash cycle—you won’t be disappointed by this maximum-adrenaline ride!
Your Next Step: Plan Your Mild to Wild Adventure
You now hold the keys to understanding Clear Creek’s magnificent variety. Whether you crave the laser-focused maneuvering of a low-water technical run or the raw, soaking power of peak runoff, our team is ready. Clear Creek is our ultimate, ever-changing playground, and our expert Mild to Wild guides are trained to interpret the daily CFS and maximize your fun across every section and every flow.
Click to explore our Clear Creek trips and book your unforgettable Mild to Wild adventure today!